Major city · United States
Lincoln City
Give Lincoln City 2 nights: one full beach day, one for the outlets or casino. Skip it as a base if you want restaurants and a walkable downtown — go to Newport instead.
Lincoln City is a 9,800-person strip of motels, outlet shops and public beach access strung along US 101 on the Central Oregon Coast, about 2 hours from Portland. It is a kite-flying and glass-float town, not a sightseeing town: you come for the sand, the casino and a cheap oceanfront room, then drive south for real towns.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jul–Sep (warmest, driest); May–Jun and Sep–Oct for fewer crowds
- avoid Nov–Mar (rain, wind, some closures)
- Airports
- PDX · EUG
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Lincoln City911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Lincoln City, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyLow crime for a US beach town; the real risks are the ocean (cold water, sneaker waves, rip currents) and winter storms.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPDX Portland International (About 2 h by car via I-5 and Oregon 18; the usual arrival point.).
- Getting aroundA car is the practical choice: the town runs about 8 km (5 mi) north–south along US 101 and sights are spread out.A car is the practical choice: the town runs about 5 mi (8 km) north–south along US 101 and sights are spread out.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee$3–6
- BeerDraft beer in a pub$7–9
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week$15–30
- Budget bedVacation rental house (up to 6), a night, per roomUS$220
- Mid-range bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$150
- High-end bedMotel double room, a night, per roomUS$260
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$90 · Mid US$160 · High US$280
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PDX Portland International (About 2 h by car via I-5 and Oregon 18; the usual arrival point.) · EUG Eugene Airport (Smaller; about 2.5 h by car north on I-5 and Oregon 18/US 101 (check).)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Feb
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
Avoid
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Sep
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Oct
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Nov
Avoid
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Dec
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Best: May–Oct. Avoid: Nov–Mar. Month by month →
Warmest Aug (21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)), coolest Jan (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Nov (19 rain days), driest Jul (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Lincoln City: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
18 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
16 rd
Mar
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
18 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
15 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
12 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Aug
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
Sep
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Oct
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Nov
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
19 rd
Dec
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
19 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
A car is the practical choice: the town runs about 8 km north–south along US 101 and sights are spread out. Lincoln County Transit (LINC) runs the Lincoln City Loop in town and limited service south to Depoe Bay and Newport; routes are not numbered, so check the current timetable. Walking the beach at low tide is the one car-free way to cover ground.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Depoe Bay
goDoor to door: About 20 min
US 101 south, about 15 min by car
Whale-watching from the seawall and the world's smallest harbour; a half-day.
Newport
goDoor to door: About 45–60 min
US 101 south, about 40 min by car; LINC bus runs limited service
Oregon Coast Aquarium, bayfront and better restaurants: the strongest day out.
Florence
overnightDoor to door: About 2 h
US 101 south, about 1 h 45 min by car
Too far for a comfortable return day; sleep there or skip.
Pacific City
goDoor to door: About 50 min
US 101 north and Brooten Rd, about 45 min by car
Cape Kiwanda dune and a brewpub on the sand; go early for parking.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Oceanfront strip (NW 1st–NW 60th)
Motels and lodges with direct beach access; the reason to stay here.
Taft / Siletz Bay (south end)
Historic district, Mo's chowder, bay views; quieter, 5–10 min drive from the outlets.
Devils Lake / outlet area (east of US 101)
Cheaper rooms, walkable to the outlets; no ocean view.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $90–140 excl. bed
- Mid
- $150–230 excl. bed
- High
- $250+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Motel double room1 × 2 nights × US$150 | US$300 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$160 | US$640 |
| Rental car, one day1 × US$60 · check | US$60 |
| Chinook Winds buffet, one person2 × US$25 · check | US$50 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$109 |
| Trip total≈ US$300 per person per day, bed included | US$1,199 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; sales tax in Oregon is zero. Flights and rental car excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | $3–6 |
| Clam chowder bowl | $12–20 |
| Fish and chips | $16–24 |
| Draft beer in a pub | $7–9 |
| Motel room, summer weekend | $150–300 |
| Gasoline, per US gallon | $4–5 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | $15–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ocean water here stays cold year-round and sneaker waves are a real hazard: never turn your back on the surf and keep children off logs and rocks.
- US 101 is the main street and traffic is slow in summer; allow extra time for short hops.
- Many beach access points have steep stairs or no parking: check the access before you commit.
- Chinook Winds is a tribal casino and one of the few places in Oregon where indoor smoking is allowed; the non-smoking slots area still gets smoke.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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Lincoln CityLincoln City
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Embassy
No embassies here; consulates are in Portland and Seattle. US visitors: your own country's consulate is the nearest point of contact.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- PDX → Lincoln City by rental car: about 2 h via I-5 and Oregon 18 (check)
- LINC Lincoln City Loop, single ride: check the current fare and timetable
- US 101 Lincoln City → Newport by car: about 40 min, 40 km (25 mi)about 40 min, 25 mi (40 km)
Say or show
- Thank you — Thank you
- Where is the beach access? — Where is the beach access?
- Is this seat taken? — Is this seat taken?
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- How much is it? — How much is it?
Tipping is expected: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 a drink, 15–20% taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Lincoln City. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jul–Sep (warmest, driest); May–Jun and Sep–Oct for fewer crowds · avoid Nov–Mar (rain, wind, some closures) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for PDX: last sensible rental-car pickup, drive time via Oregon 18, and a motel fallback if you land late.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Oceanlake, Taft, Nelscott and the Devils Lake outlet area.
- Place pages with verified access and tide notes (D River Wayside, Roads End, Siletz Bay refuge) and eat pages with last orders.
- Storm-watch and sneaker-wave fixtures so coastal safety gates can go green.